The best pubs In Perth

Queens has earned its reputation as one of Perth’s best locals – taking home the 2026 Time Out People’s Choice Award for favourite WA pub. The bustling Beaufort Street institution has been keeping Perth locals well fed and watered since 1889, and continues to exude old-world charm with its timber verandahs and a sun-soaked terrace that’s perfect for people-watching. Close to the CBD, it’s the kind of place where you pop in for “just one” after work and before you know it, it's last drinks. Inside, big screens keep sports fans happy, while the lively beer garden out back is made for catch-ups over cold pints and Spritzes. The menu leans Italian with a classic pub twist, and there’s a strong offering of beers on tap and a concise wine list championing WA drops. More than anything, though, it’s the atmosphere that keeps locals coming back.

Time Out tip: Queens has food specials on most days of the week, plus happy hour from 5pm to  6pm daily. Cheers to that!

Address: 520 Beaufort St, Highgate

Beachfront beverages – it doesn’t get much better than that. And blessed be, here in Perth, our extended summers and an average of 138.7 annual clear days mean that we’re the sunniest capital city in Australia – ideal weather for The Cottesloe Beach Hotel. Originally constructed in 1905, with a few major renos here and there, 'The Cott' is now a swanky destination that’s nailed casual sophistication. Step through the Art Deco facade and choose your player – The Beach Club, Verandah Bar or Tigerfish restaurant. There’s something very Los Angeles about the ultra-white exterior. Whether you’re up for a hip-shakin' time in the open-air club, a bite from the Mediterranean-inspired menu, or a loosey-goosey time out front while watching the sun dip into the Indian Ocean, The Cottesloe Beach Hotel is the easy-breezy place to be.

Time Out tip: Even though it’s right across from the beach, thongs aren’t allowed. Boardies and bathers are fine – as long as your bottom half is covered.

Address: 104 Marine Pde, Cottesloe

Commonly known as ‘The Mont’, this western suburbs hotel has been standing since 1886, making it one of the oldest in Perth. With age comes some serious aches and pains, but fear not, 2023 saw a full-scale restoration of The Claremont. The stodgy carpets and cramped rooms are no more, and in their place, a contemporary fit-out with nods to the heritage fixtures that exude a touch of ritz. The 1,600-person venue covers some mammoth ground and includes three bars, a rooftop terrace, indoor and outdoor bistro areas, function rooms, a kids’ play space, plus a sports bar and lounge area – but who’s counting, right? Local produce is at the forefront of The Claremont’s menus, featuring classic pub grub across the entire venue, along with a dining room menu that sees more grand plates. Wash it all down with a glass of Margaret River red, a tap beer, or a signature cocktail.

Time Out tip: The Claremont takes live sport seriously – with almost every game shown live and loud in the Sports Bar. Even better? You can order food and drinks straight to your table using QR codes, so you won't miss a minute of the action.

Address: 1 Bay View Tce, Claremont

With 2023 beginnings, Molly’s Irish Pub over in Highgate is an attempt to rebirth the traditional taphouse all while appealing to the youngins of Perth, and it’s working. A cadre of Irish expats is to thank for the Beaufort Street haunt, and although it’s noticeably new-wave compared to old-timey counterparts, at heart, Molly’s is just as Irish as the next. Timber fittings, memorabilia and a paint job reminiscent of the Emerald Isle spruce the interior, while a kitchen led by an Irish chef and the creamiest pints of Kilkenny and Guinness reinforce its guts. Hefty Sunday roasts, seafood chowder, proper chip butties, slow-cooked beef pies and Guinness bread are menu staples. Take the feast up a notch with Molly’s live music sessions, held every Thursday to Sunday – you're encouraged to join the folky affair for a taste of the rare auld times. 

Time Out tip: The craic continues with a second venue in Victoria Park, carrying on the traditions of the original and welcoming a new neighbourhood into the fold. 

Address: 488 Beaufort St, Highgate

Built by a former Fremantle mayor, George Davies, the since-renamed Norfolk Hotel opened its doors way back in 1887. With many a changing of hands over the years and a few touch-ups, one thing is certain – The Norfolk has remained a Freo institution since day dot. The limestone corner pub houses a relaxed courtyard that welcomes beachgoers and Fremantle Market explorers alike, along with a yesteryear cocktail bar by the name of Odd Fellow for those after a fancy tipple. The Norfolk Hotel not only has its drinks list down pat, but also its woodfired kitchen (those pizzas are yum!) and smoker churns out some of the best cuts around – think melt-in-the-mouth brisket and hearty meat boards. 

Time Out tip: Live and local acts take over the courtyard on occasion, bound to have you on your feet and well on your way to boogietown.

Address: 47 South Tce, Fremantle

This old girl had a majestic makeover after being destroyed by a fire in 2008, and while she’s a pretty sight, she still retains that historical charm from her glory days. You’ll find a sense of familiarity with The Guildford Hotel's original fireplaces, original exposed brick walls and other recovered decor. However, we suggest making new friends at the upstairs bar with a retractable roof for all-season silliness. 

Time Out tip: In addition to their weekly specials (free pool on Mondays, quizzes on Tuesdays), The Guilford also has monthly specials like Bottomless BBQ on the second Friday of every month and Musical Bingo on the first Wednesday of every month.

Address: 159 James St, Guildford

Forget about the impersonal arena tours – if you want good old-fashioned, rock ‘n’ roll, intimacy-at-its-core live music, this is the place to be. Tame Impala, Bernard Fanning and You Am I are just some of the artists to grace this pub’s long list of hosted acts. The Rosemount has a newly renovated beer garden to cool off after your rockin’ time at “WA’s go-to stage”. Think classic pub grub meets modern faves, like poke bowls, quesadillas and jerk chicken.

Time Out tip: The Rosemount has monthly specials for food and bevvies – so check them out. How about a chimichurri beef burger and a Bloody Mary to wash it all down?

Address: 459 Fitzgerald St, North Perth

Give me a pub among the gum trees, and not a lot of plum trees… instead, a few resident bandicoots that hobble across the creaky floorboards. That’s the Mundaring Weir Hotel experience, and we’ll take its timeworn charm any day of the week. The Perth Hills’ alehouse was constructed in 1898 to serve the workers of the nearby Mundaring Weir, and much of its old hat character remains. The hotel displays a collection of antiquated treasures, newspaper cutouts from a bygone era, marvellous stained glass windows, quaint log fireplaces and a grand ballroom that lowkey might lodge a ghost or two. An open-air amphitheatre can be enjoyed out back, which in recent times has hosted acts with the likes of Kacey Chambers and numerous fair dinkum bush bands, too. No-frills pub classics, along with local and Irish brews, are served every day of the week. Scoffing them down atop the terrace or in the garden is more than welcome, as you gaze at the lush State Forest surrounds.

Time Out tip: Unlike most pubs, the Mundaring Weir doesn't open for dinner most nights (only Saturdays) – but makes up for it with a daily breakfast menu. Think hot buttered mushrooms on toast or a good old bacon and egg roll.

Address: Mundaring Weir Rd & Hall Rd, Mundaring

There’s a Subiaco renaissance going on, and nowhere's safe, in the best way possible. The Rockeby Road main drag has its retail and restaurant ups and downs, as with all high streets, but one thing is here to stay – the Subiaco Hotel. Going strong with its original Victorian-era facade and a 2024 renovation and rebrand, the 127-year-old corner public house gives bistro ambience with a contemporary flair. Perch up on a streetside stool and take in the Subi sights, or pull out a rattan seat in the dining room – whatever you do, the Subiaco Hotel is here for all your breakfast, lunch and dinner needs. Gargantuan cocktails that are borderline novelty jazz up the drinks menu while comfort fare sees a rebirth, such as the family Sunday roast, complete with Yorkshire pud.

Time Out tip: Love a pub trivia night? Test your knowledge at Subi's Wednesday quiz night, served up with $25 parmis. 

Address: 465 Hay St, Subiaco

Who doesn’t love a good three-for-one deal? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll get at The Beaufort – Highgate’s newfangled, multifaceted hotel that’s got a little bit of everything going on. With hospitality at its heart, the three-storey venue focuses on beer garden nooks and leafy terraces, with a hidden speakeasy and a rooftop bar. The jungle-like interior is reminiscent of a Balinese retreat and houses a modern Southeast Asian eatery by the name of Lotus. But never fear, pub essentials like a chicken parmi or a scotch fillet hot off the charcoal grill are on the cards too. The new-wave hotel precinct might just be the thing of the future, allowing patrons to experience a full-blown night out without having to leave the venue – convenience at its finest – and an alfresco one at that. 

Time Out tip: Gather your gang for a Saturday bottomless brunch – a three-course affair served up with all the fruity cocktails and prosecco you can handle.

Address: 521-525 Beaufort St, Highgate

For a pub with a turn-of-the-century tram in the middle of it, Gosnells Hotel is surprisingly no-frills. And it’s exactly those two things that earn this true-blue taphouse a spot in our guide to the best pubs in Perth. It’s all about the laid-back atmosphere at the Gosnells Hotel, and sometimes that’s just what the doctor ordered. The 1907 tavern maintains some old-world charm with its quirky decor, combined with a shed-like feel thanks to plenty of corrugated iron throughout – not to mention that historic tram that takes centre stage. Aptly named the Gosworts Express, the tram is complete with comfy benches and a flat-screen telly, which is a hit with both little kids and big kids alike. But the outdoor playground is equally entertaining. A seasonally-rotating menu that enlists sizable pub staples is up for grabs, and the Gosnells Hotel’s drool-worthy beef brisket with mash, veg and gravy goes down a treat.

Time Out tip: Whether it’s R’n’B beats, musical quiz nights, drag bingo or boozy painting classes, Saturdays are always a vibe.

Address: 2149 Albany Hwy, Gosnells